6 of the Best Self-Parking Cars

Over recent years we have seen massive advancements in the technology on offer in our cars. One area that has been vastly improved is parking technology: self-parking assistance.

One of the first systems on offer was simple parking sensors which used audible cues to indicate if you got too close to an object. However, as centre console infotainment screens became more common, many car manufacturers chose to incorporate parking cameras to give a complete view of the car in its surroundings on the centre console screen.

This along with the increasing move to self-driving technology has seen the development of auto parking cars that require little or no input from the driver.

Many people sigh with relief at the thought of self-parking cars. They offer an end to a multitude of stress-inducing parking scenarios; like trying to squeeze into the only available space in the car park or slotting into a parallel parking space on a busy main road. However, the systems vary between manufacturers, so we thought we’d take a look at six of the best self-parking cars in the UK.

Best Self-Parking Cars

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Active parking system is available on the Ford Fiesta as a Parking Package at a cost of £400 (however, it is not available on the ST-3 trim). 

When the driver activates the Park Assist feature, the sensors detect available parking spaces and measure their size to determine if the vehicle can fit. Once a suitable spot is identified, the system provides visual and audible prompts to guide the driver through parking. The driver controls the vehicle’s speed and applies the brakes, while the Park Assist 2.0 system takes over the steering. By carefully manoeuvring the vehicle, the system helps park it accurately within the designated space, reducing the stress and potential for human error. With Ford Park Assist 2.0, drivers can park confidently and efficiently, even in tight or challenging parking situations.

The Ford Fiesta is also available with a rear-view camera if you want a more well-rounded view of your surrounding area. 

Vauxhall Mokka

Vauxhall Mokka and Vauxhall Mokka-e come equipped with Vauxhall’s intelligent Advanced Park Assist, a cutting-edge feature designed to simplify parking for drivers. This innovative technology utilises a network of sensors and cameras strategically placed around the vehicle to detect and analyse the surroundings.

Advanced Park Assist scans the environment when activated, identifying suitable parking spaces and assessing their size and feasibility for the vehicle. The system guides the driver during the parking process through visual and audible cues, providing precise instructions on steering inputs, accelerator control, and braking.

The driver retains control of the vehicle’s speed while the Advanced Park Assist system takes over the steering, expertly manoeuvring the Mokka or Mokka-e into the parking spot.

This intelligent assistance not only enhances convenience but also promotes safety by minimising the risk of collisions and reducing the stress associated with parking. With Vauxhall’s Advanced Park Assist, drivers can confidently and easily navigate crowded urban areas and tight parking spaces.

Peugeot 308

The Peugeot 308 Allure Premium and GT trims can optionally become available with the advanced Visio Park 3 system, offering drivers the convenience of semi-automatic parking assistance.

With Visio Park 3, parking becomes a breeze as the system combines an array of sensors and cameras strategically placed around the vehicle to provide a comprehensive view of the surroundings. When activated, the system scans the environment, detecting available parking spaces and assessing their size and feasibility.

Once a suitable spot is identified, the driver receives visual and audible prompts guiding them through the parking process. While the driver controls the speed and applies the brakes, Visio Park 3 takes over the steering, expertly guiding the vehicle into the designated space.

This semi-automatic assistance ensures precise parking, reducing the stress and potential for human error.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf has always been a forward-thinking car, so it should come as no surprise that the Leaf features on our list of best self-parking cars. In fact, it really is a car that you can sit back and let the car do the work, thanks to the advanced ProPilot system which combines both radar and camera technology.

The ProPilot technology operates the entire system taking control of the steering, accelerating and braking for fully autonomous parking in both bay and parallel parking spaces. All you have to do is hold down the self-park button located near the gear lever, and the car will do the rest. The car will stop if you let go of the button at any point throughout the manoeuvre or if it detects something in its path be it in front or behind.

Nissan plans to roll out the same technology across its entire model range over future years.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is equipped with the innovative Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, taking parking convenience to the next level.

With this advanced technology, drivers can manoeuvre their IONIQ 5 into tight parking spaces even when they are not inside the vehicle. The Remote Smart Parking Assist utilises a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to scan the surroundings and identify suitable parking spots.

Once a spot is detected, the driver can control the parking process remotely using a smartphone or a key fob. The system takes over the steering, acceleration, and braking, ensuring precise and safe manoeuvring into the designated space.

This feature is especially useful in narrow parking lots or situations where getting in and out of the vehicle is challenging.

Volvo XC60

This luxurious SUV offers room on board for all the family, the only problem is this means there is a lot of car to park. Thankfully the Volvo XC60 is available with an impressive Park Assist Pilot system that can guide you into a bay that is only 20% larger than the car. It measures the space using ultrasonic sensors ensuring that you get into the first available space you will fit in. 

Like Ford’s system, all you need to do is follow the instructions on operating the accelerator and brake and the car will steer itself into the parking space. Volvo Cars Park Assist system can also help assist with steering when driving out of a parallel parking space. 

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Hopefully, this guide has helped identify which self-parking system is best for your requirements, but remember we’ve only taken a look at our top six self-parking cars, there are plenty of other models to choose from. So why not take a look at our new, nearly new and used cars to find your ideal car with a parking assist system that works for your requirements?